James Ketchell to climb Everest, row the Atlantic and cycle the world (From Basingstoke Gazette)

James Ketchell to climb Everest, row the Atlantic and cycle the world

1:20pm Friday 31st August 2012 in Local By Emily Roberts, Chief Reporter

A BASINGSTOKE adventurer has set himself his biggest challenge yet – a global triathlon in which he will row the Atlantic, climb Mount Everest and cycle around the world in a year.

In preparation for his gruelling mission, 30-year-old James Ketchell from Riverdene flew out to the USA on Monday to cycle across the country from San Diego to St Augustine in 20 days, starting tomorrow.

Covering 100-miles a day, the challenge is simply a warm-up for his big adventure next year. If his attempt in 2013 is a success, he believes he will be the first person to complete this ultimate triathlon in just 12 months.

James, who climbed Everest last year and rowed across the Atlantic solo in 2010, is confident about his chances. He said: “Having completed two of the challenges before, I know that it’s possible to push my limits to make this happen. It’s only unknown factors like the weather, equipment failure or borders being closed that really pose any challenge.”

When James first climbed Everest he suffered frostbite and a lung infection and also had the harrowing experience of passing the dead body of another climber. He added: “What I want to do is complete this global triathlon and inspire young people.”

He embarked on his daredevil missions following a near-fatal bike accident in 2007, which doctors told him he would never fully recover from.

He will keep a blog during the USA trip at jamesketchell.net, regularly updating it along the way.

He also wants to raise £50,000 for children’s charity The ELIFAR Foundation, which improves the quality of life for profoundly disabled children and young adults.